Camping and Outdoor Education
Since 1893, the YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region has offered camp and outdoor education programs.

Generations of children, youth and adults have taken part in our camps, or in programs run through our Outdoor Education Centre. In both cases, we strive to provide participants with a memorable experience, and share our passion for the natural world while encouraging personal growth and inspiring the development of caring and compassionate leaders.

Camp Programs

Summer 2016 Camp Registration is Now Open!

Y camp programs blend fun and adventure in an environment of respect, honesty, caring and responsibility. Using the natural surroundings as the basis for our programs, Y camps keep children and youth actively engaged in a variety of outdoor programs from snowshoeing and cross country skiing in the winter to canoeing, swimming and rock climbing in the summer. Our camps offer a place of belonging, a place where lifelong friendships are developed, and where children learn new skills in a safe, fun and supportive environment.

Our Y camps are proud and longstanding members of the Ontario Camping Association and are committed to the best practices of YMCA camps in Ontario.

Browse through our 2016 Camp Guide (PDF) and click on the links below to learn more about the Y camps being offered this season.

Y Camps are for Everyone
Y camps are for every child and youth in our communities. Because camp can have a profoundly positive and lasting effect on children, we are dedicated to ensuring that as many kids as possible have access to a YMCA-YWCA camp experience. We provide financial help (link to reg page) for those who otherwise couldn't afford the experience and integrate children with special needs while giving them one-on-one support.

Outdoor Education Programs

Bonnenfant Y Outdoor Education and Leadership Centre (BYOC)
The Bonnenfant Y Outdoor Leadership and Education Centre (BYOC) is located ten minutes north of Kanata on 30 acres of field, forest and rugged Ottawa River shoreline. Open year-round, the BYOC specializes in education and leadership programs for school groups, community organizations and professionals, and offers a variety of experiential, curriculum-driven outdoor education programs that can be tailored to the individual needs of any group.